About Us

Established in 1879, our heritage and values remain upheld by every member of our team. As a family founded and family run business Stanfords prides itself on exceptional service delivery. We remain abreast of developments in our constantly changing sector, adapting and evolving as a business to ensure we provide the most accurate and advantageous advice.

It is always a challenge to explain exactly what we do because our services are vast yet integrated in many ways. When it comes to land, property and possessions, we provide expert services, practical advice and strategic business solutions to benefit our clients.

Our solid foundations have enabled us to create a service offering that is valued by our clients. We remain focused on tailoring our approach to our clients’ needs, regardless of the project size or sector.

Meet the team

Graham EllisFRICS FAAV FLAA

Graham succeeded his father and grandfather as Partner in the surveying practice which today has become Stanfords. Graham works in all areas of agricultural and rural property advice together with auctioneering every week. Particular areas of expertise include advising on planning and family matters as well as detailed livestock farming matters.

Steve joined Stanfords in 2016 to work in the Sales & Lettings department of the firm. Steve brings with him a wealth of local property experience after working in Colchester for the last 30 years, most recently for Fenn Wright. Steve has recently become a partner in the firm Joining Graham and Stephen Knight in the Partnership. Steve and his assistant Nina will also be looking to expand the Land & New Homes department within Stanfords.

Steven is the 4th generation of his family to join the Stanfords partnership following his in the footsteps of his Father, Grand and Great Grandfather. Steven is responsible for the running of the Auctions, and the day to day business operations as well as dealing with the firm’s IT and Accounts. Steven joined the partnership in April 2019.

Stephen has been with Stanfords since 1996 and a Partner from 1997-2019. Having stepped down from the Partnership Stephen remains a Senior chartered surveyor with in the firm continuing to assist and advise his clients going forward. He has worked in Essex since 1981 gaining experience in Company and Statutory Company land matters. He now deals with compulsory purchase, some sales, purchases and mineral development matters amongst general rural issues.

Tim’s experience is in all types of auctioneering coupled with practical agricultural advice relating to helping with support payment schemes and compensation issues. Tim provides general agricultural professional advice, often in regards to compulsory purchase and agricultural land management.

Alexander joined Stanfords from Strutt & Parker in August 2018. Alexander has experience in traditional estate management, valuations and landlord and tenant matters. Alexander assists Graham Ellis and Stephen Knight in a range of professional work. Alexander studied at Harper Adams University and graduated in Rural Property Management (Hons) in 2013. He then remained at Harper Adams to complete his Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Estate Management. Alexander became Chartered in May 2017.

Peter has over 35 years of planning experience, 30 of which were spent in local authorities, mainly based in Essex, including Maldon District Council and Tendring District Council. He has experience in the consideration of and determination of every possible type of planning application, including major residential and commercial developments, large scale infrastructure projects and a vast array of other development proposals, covering the rural and urban landscape. Peter joined Stanfords in 2016, having spent the previous 7 years with a regional private practice.

Hugh joined Stanfords in 2016 having completed a degree in Rural Land Management. Having grown up on a family farm in Essex Hugh has good knowledge and practical experience within arable farming. Day to day he is involved in a wide range of work and is hoping to complete his professional exams in 2018.